Jupiter cannot become a star independently because it currently lacks sufficient mass. However, if Jupiter were to accrue enough mass by means of other objects colliding with it, it has the potential to become one. How Would Jupiter Become A Star? A star is defined as something with enough mass that the gravitational pressure of … Read more
Saturn is the flattest planet in our solar system, with an equatorial diameter 10.7% thicker than its polar diameter. Outside our solar system, the dwarf planet Haumea is flatter still, with an equatorial diameter along its long axis double the size of its shortest axis. While all planets are roughly spherical by definition, relative flatness varies … Read more
Astronomers classify galaxies in three main categories – elliptical, spiral and irregular – with spiral and elliptical galaxies being those most observed to date. Both types of galaxy possess halos extending beyond their visible portions and both are thought to contain a supermassive black hole at their centre. Beyond shape, spiral and elliptical galaxies differ … Read more
If you’re sole goal is simply to observe the moon, the number of telescopes fit for the job are almost endless, taking into account we can see the moons with our own eyes. Monoculars, binoculars or even your modern day smartphone will allow you to get a decent glimpse of the lunar surface. However, they … Read more
A Ramsden eyepiece is the simplest example of an eyepiece for a high quality optical instrument, containing two identical plano-convex lenses. The Ramsden eyepiece is one of several eyepiece options when a single simple magnifying lens is inadequate due to aberrations. It is particularly common in instruments which have a scale or micrometer wires. If … Read more
Eyepieces are inherently very important equipment for any given telescope as they allow you to bring out not only the most power from any given system but also allow you to increase your wide field observing. They’re not always necessary if you just want to look at the moon or even use your telescope as … Read more
Jovian planets are predominantly composed of hydrogen (80-90%) and helium (10-20%), with small, dense cores relative to massive layers of atmospheric gas. They contain small amounts of methane, ammonia and water vapor with varying traces of heavier elements such as carbon, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are our solar system’s jovian … Read more
Since way back when, we’ve been fascinated with what’s out there, fascinated in seeing the unseen and for many many millennia we couldn’t do that. However, the worlds a little different now and technology is always changing, always evolving and now, crazily enough we’re more than capable of seeing things in deep space, with our … Read more
Galaxies are categorized using the Hubble Classification, which includes elliptical and spiral shaped galaxies. Any galaxy that does not fit into either an elliptical or spiral shape is categorized as irregular. So an irregular galaxy is one that does not have a discernible shape. But there is much more to understanding them than just this. … Read more
The terrestrial planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The jovian planets are Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. There are also dwarf planets (e.g. Pluto) which fall into a separate category of their own. Terrestrial and jovian planets differ in key characteristics including size, distance from the sun and physical composition. … Read more